Scenes from the 2017 Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards at Dapto Leagues Club. Pictures: Greg Ellis.

Kiama was a big winner at the Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards on Wednesday night with The Hungry Monkey being named Business of the Year and Marnie Beauchamp, of McGrath Real Estate, the Business Person of the Year.

Hungry Monkey’s Jack Alexander said he was really surprised and excited.

“It all started out as a bit of an idea between myself and Taylor (Hudson) when we were about 18 years old. To finally see where it is today is more than I thought we would ever achieve. But we have because of all our loyal customers and staff,” he said.

Marnie Beauchamp said she has been with McGrath Real Estate for five years but Wednesday’s night’s result was a great reward after a challenging year with many other things happening in her life.

“I’ve been in business since 2000 though,” she said.

“I’ve owned a couple of real estate businesses and I opened two McGrath businesses in Berry and Kiama which has 10 staff. I just sold Berry not long ago. I work in the business with sales as well as owning and running it. It has been a hard year because I lost my mum and my dad went before that.”

The Hungry Monkey wins 2017 Illawarra & South Coast business of the year. Video: Greg Ellis

The Hungry Monkey wins 2017 Illawarra & South Coast business of the year. Video: Greg Ellis

But despite the challenges Ms Beauchamp was named was recognised for being one of McGrath’s top 50 agents this year and was on the cover of Top Agents magazine.

“So it has been a year of highlights for me even though it has been a hard year.”

Other winners from the Precedent Productions event at Dapto Leagues Club were:

Elysa Perry of Skin Correctives – Youth award

Chooksy’s – Fast food takeaway

Pandora at Stockland Shellharbour – Jewellery store

The Postman’s Quarter in Thirroul – Restaurant

Mitchell’s Market Warilla Grove – Fruit and vegetable shop

Live Committed – Fitness Services

Woonona Florist – Florist

YD Stockland Shellharbour – Men’s fashion store

Crossroads Warilla Grove – Women’s fashion store

First Choice Mechanical Repairs – Automotive Services

Shoalhaven Gourmet Mushrooms – Fresh food

Wollongong Crane Trucks – Service and Trade

Central Hair and Beauty Oak Flats – Hairdresser

Delaney’s Cakes – Bakery cake shop

Dance Sensation – Dance studio

Specsavers Dapto Mall – Health Improvement Services

Harlow Day Spa – Beauty services

Hy-Qual Mowers – Specialised retail business

Coolgardie Children’s Centre – Child care services

ANE Electrical Solutions – New business

Rand Family Tattoo – Specialised business

The Hungry Monkey – Outstanding cafe

Harcourts Dapto – Real estate agency

LP Entertainment (Werri Beach) – Professional services

Wollongong First Aid – Education service

Cannon & Ball Veterinary Surgeons – Pet care

Marnie Beauchamp of McGrath Real Estate Kiama – Business Person of the Year